Wolf Watch
Wolf Watch is St. Francis’s weekly e-newsletter to our parent community that shares announcements for each grade level and updates on school activities and events. Wolf Watch is updated weekly throughout the school year, so check back every Sunday for the latest on St. Francis happenings.
For this week’s news, please select the appropriate section below.
News for the Week of March 26
All School
Thursday, April 6, Is an Early-Release Day
In honor of Easter weekend, please note that Thursday, April 6, is an early-release day for all divisions:
- Primary School students will be released at 11:00 a.m.
- Lower School students will be released at 11:15 a.m.
- Middle School students will be released at noon.
- Upper School students will be released at noon.
In addition, Friday, April 7, and Monday, April 10, are both school holidays.
FoFA News: Congratulations, Mr. Doran!
- We are proud to announce that our very own Justin Doran, Director of Fine Arts, will be recognized by Theatre Under the Stars as Arts Educator of the Year! This is a well-deserved honor for Mr. Doran, but also an endorsement of the fantastic arts programs at St. Francis. If you would like to attend the TUTS recognition event to cheer for Mr. Doran, please join us on Friday, April 28, at Tony’s. Email Amy Pierce to RSVP.
- Please mark your calendars for our school-wide Arts Festival on Monday, April 24, through Sunday, April 30. Details will be provided soon.
- Our next FoFA meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 11.
SOTP: Registration for Jump Into PI, PII, and K Is Now Open
Summer on the Point registration for Jump Into Primary I, Jump Into Primary II, and Jump Into Kindergarten is now open. For more information about summer camps, click here.
Primary School
From the Primary School Spanish Teacher
My main objective as a Spanish educator is to teach our students the importance of other languages, cultures, and traditions, hoping they will fall in love with all they learn. One of the benefits of learning Spanish in Primary School is how we can infuse examples of Spanish culture into class project work, songs, and different school events.
During Spanish class, students learn through games, projects, dances, and songs, among other things. They are encouraged to speak the language, too, which motivates them, helps them feel proud, and increases their confidence in using Spanish. As a teacher, I do my best to model and encourage curiosity and the determination to continue to learn about other cultures. In doing so, I hope to help our students feel confident that they can apply what they are learning—in and out of the classroom—with great confidence and authenticity.
As Loris Malaguzzi, founder of the Reggio Emilia approach, said: "The wider the range of possibilities we offer children, the more intense will be their motivations and the richer their experiences." Providing children with the opportunity to learn a second or third language opens new possibilities for the ways they can connect with and explore the world.
Our Spanish classes in Pre-Primary, Primary I, and Primary II support language development and learning about other customs and traditions, which offers the following benefits for young children:
- Increased cognitive ability and focus
- Improved communication
- Improved abilities in analytical and creative mathematics
- Strong neural connections, due to experiences in multiple languages
I am grateful for the opportunity to guide our students and to learn alongside them in our Primary School!
Que tengan una linda semana,
Claudia Schoelman
Primary School Spanish Teacher
Mark Your Calendar
Monday, March 27
- Open Library
Tuesday, March 28
- Chapel: 9:30 a.m.; Primary II parents may attend
Wednesday, March 29
- Chapel: 9:30 a.m.; Primary I parents may attend
- Primary II Fathers and Friends Picnic: 11:00 a.m.
Monday, April 3
- Pre-Primary Play Day (Britton and Husain)
- Open Library
Tuesday, April 4
- Chapel: 9:30 a.m.; Primary II parents may attend
Wednesday, April 5
- Chapel: 9:30 a.m.; Primary I parents may attend
Thursday, April 6
- Early Dismissal: 11:00 a.m.
Friday, April 7
- Good Friday Holiday: No school
Monday, April 10
- Easter Monday Holiday: No school
Tuesday, April 11
- Chapel: 9:30 a.m.; Primary II parents may attend
Wednesday, April 12
- Chapel: 9:30 a.m.; Primary I parents may attend
Friday, April 14
- Primary II Plays
Monday, April 17
- Open Library
Tuesday, April 18
- Chapel: 9:30 a.m.; Primary II parents may attend
Wednesday, April 19
- Chapel: 9:30 a.m.; Primary I parents may attend
Friday, April 21
- Parent Conference Day: No school
Sunday, April 23
- St. Francis Festival: 1:00 p.m.
Lower School
From the Division Head
Technology is a big part of our lives—both at home and in the Lower School. Games, apps, messaging features, and technology devices are constantly evolving, requiring us to keep learning about ways to keep ourselves and our children safe while engaging with technology. Last Tuesday, we held a parent information meeting about cybersafety. Kaitlynn Frey, Programs Manager at Crime Stoppers of Houston, led the presentation, sharing information about the dangers posed when using apps, games, and chat features.
If you were not able to attend the meeting, I do hope you will review the presentation handouts and watch the recording using the following links:
- Cyber Safety Resource Guide
- Social Media Resource Guide
- Lower School Cybersafety Parent Presentation Recording (March 21, 2023)
We will be hosting future parent meetings provided by Crime Stoppers of Houston, and we hope you will join us for those, as well!
Kind regards,
Clifton Walker, MEd
Head of Lower School
Mark Your Calendar
Monday, March 27
- Chapel for Grades K–4
- 8:20 a.m. in the St. Francis Episcopal Church Sanctuary
- Please be advised that there are limited parking spots in front of the school.
Tuesday, March 28
- Second-Grade Biome Bonanza
- Quine and Wagner: 10:00 a.m.
- McCormick and Shindler: 1:00 p.m.
Thursday, March 30
- Chapel for Grades K–4
- 8:20 a.m. in the Fine Arts Center
- Please be advised that there are limited parking spots in front of the school.
Friday, March 31
- Fourth Grade Performs Friends (Music Program): Students in grades K–2 attend from 8:45 to 9:15 a.m. in the Fine Arts Center
- Fourth Grade Performs Friends (Music Program): Third grade attends from 1:00 to 1:30 p.m. in the Fine Arts Center
Monday, April 3
- Chapel for Grades K–4
- 8:20 a.m. in the St. Francis Episcopal Church Sanctuary
- Please be advised that there are limited parking spots in front of the school.
- First-Grade Field Trip to Nature Discovery Center: Student-only event
- Breeding and Hitchcock: 9:30–10:15 a.m.
- Jules and DuByne: 10:15–11:00 a.m.
Thursday, April 6
- Maundy Thursday Eucharist Chapel for Grades K–4
- 8:20 a.m. in the St. Francis Episcopal Church Sanctuary
- Please be advised that there are limited parking spots in front of the school.
- Lower School Early Dismissal: 11:15 a.m.
Friday, April 7
- Good Friday Holiday: No school
Monday, April 10
- Easter Monday Holiday: No school
Tuesday, April 11
- Art à la Carte In-Person Orientation: 1:30–2:30 p.m. in the Hogan Board Room
Thursday, April 13
- Chapel for Grades K–4
- 8:20 a.m. in the St. Francis Episcopal Church Sanctuary
- Please be advised that there are limited parking spots in front of the school.
- Art à la Carte Zoom Orientation: 1:00–2:00 p.m.
Middle School
Message From the Head of Middle School for a Day
Fifth-grader Fletcher S. won the right to be Head of Middle School for a Day at last year’s St. Francis Festival, and served as the division head on Thursday, March 9. Fletcher made a big announcement at the end of Middle School Chapel and met with the grade-level deans, the Howlers coach, the Head of School, and our Director of Facilities. He also visited multiple classrooms, gave advice to several school leaders, and helped with carpool drop-off and pickup.
For this week’s Wolf Watch article, Dr. Williams interviewed Fletcher about his experience at St. Francis. The highlights of that interview are included below.
What is your favorite thing about St. Francis?
Let me think. That’s tough. How everybody knows each other and the teachers know you well. If it was a giant class or school, that might change. The teachers are nice, and they care about making you smarter.
Have you had a favorite teacher here at St. Francis?
Either Ms. Peña or Ms. Nguyen. I think I’m going to go with Ms. Nguyen, but a close second is Ms. Peña and third is Ms. Cruzalegui.
What is your favorite memory from Ms. Nguyen’s class?
We did this art project, and my friend was about to put his painting away. On Fridays in Ms. Nguyen’s class, we had short dance parties for the last few minutes of advisory. We were listening to the Circle of Life song from The Lion King. Ms. Nguyen took her thumb and dipped it in the wet paint and then wiped it on my friend’s forehead like Rafiki did to Baby Simba before presenting him to the rest of the animals in the Pride Lands.
What do you like most about Ms. Peña?
Ms. Peña is very fun. She didn’t just give us worksheets. She would help us to learn by playing games. Her methods were fun, but they helped us learn. She invited everyone to participate in the class; she didn’t just include a few kids.
Why are you enjoying Ms. Cruzalegui’s class so much?
She sometimes has music playing to get us relaxed, and we will do a moment of zen to get us calm before class. We will use food, games, music, and sports to help us learn Spanish. She doesn't just give us a bunch of charts to memorize, but she makes learning fun.
What do parents need to know about St. Francis?
The teachers are nice, and the adults here try to get to know everybody and make them as smart as possible.
What is one thing you would change about St. Francis?
I would probably change how EARLY the school day starts. I feel that 7:45 is early.
What is one thing that we should never change about St. Francis?
I think you should not change the size of the classes, because if you increase the class sizes to 20–25 students per class, then it will feel crowded. The 14 or 15 students we have in each class now feels perfect for St. Francis.
Canstruction Ingathering Is This Week!
We are happy to announce that Canstruction, the annual Middle School Ingathering, will take place this week—Monday, March 27, through Friday, March 31.
- Students are encouraged to be people for others by bringing canned goods (soups, meats, beans, etc.) to their advisory beginning tomorrow—Monday, March 27. Items will be used to build structures and then will be donated to a local food bank.
- Students will build their structure in Advisory on Wednesday, April 5.
Thursday, April 6, Is an Early-Release Day
In honor of Easter weekend, Middle School students will be released at noon on Thursday, April 6. Please note that Friday, April 7, and Monday, April 10, are both school holidays.
Seventh-Grade AALC Field Trip Is Wednesday
We are excited about our upcoming seventh-grade Art à la Carte field trip this Wednesday, March 29, to BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, a Hindu temple in Stafford. As this is a house of worship, the temple has very specific dress-code requirements, and we are asking students to wear modified Spirit wear on this day. Please note the following:
- Both boys and girls must wear either the uniform shirt or a short- or long-sleeve St. Francis Spirit wear shirt with khaki pants, blue jeans, or long athletic pants.
- Shorts and skirts are not permitted in the temple. (Your child will be given a sarong to wear if his or her knees are showing.)
- Students will be required to remove shoes during their visit.
Volunteers Needed for Seventh-Grade Medieval Faire Day
Seventh-grade parents, please save the date for this year’s Medieval Faire Day on Friday, May 5!
ABOUT MEDIEVAL FAIRE DAY
Medieval Faire Day is a fun-filled day spent exploring multiple cultures during the medieval time period. Students immerse themselves in the different cultures by participating in interactive and hands-on activities that highlight art, music, food, clothing, weaponry, and daily life in Medieval Europe, Japan, and the Arabian Peninsula. This event fully aligns with the seventh-grade World History curriculum students have been studying.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED ON MAY 4 & 5
In order for this day to be a success, we need lots of moms and dads to volunteer—both on Thursday, May 4, to help with setup as we transform multiple parts of the school, and during the entire Medieval Faire Day on May 5. A SignUpGenius link will be sent soon. We look forward to seeing you!
MS Service Hour Opportunity: Volunteer at Festival!
Setup and cleanup shifts are available to Middle School students who would like to earn service hours by working before or after the St. Francis Festival on Sunday, April 23. Click here to sign up!
Mark Your Calendar
Monday, March 27–Friday, March 31
- Canstruction Ingathering: Bring canned goods to Advisory
Monday, March 27
- Dress Uniforms
- Middle School Chapel: 9:50 a.m. in the St. Francis Episcopal Church Sanctuary
- Fifth-Grade Bible Study: 12:45 p.m. in Mrs. Flores’s room (boys’ Bible study) and Mrs. Gutierrez’s room (girls’ Bible study); both rooms are right off of Crum Library
Tuesday, March 28
- Regular Uniform
Wednesday, March 29
- Regular Uniform
-
Seventh-Grade Art à la Carte Field Trip to BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir: The temple has very specific dress-code requirements, and we are asking students to wear modified Spirit wear on this day.
-
Shorts and skirts are not permitted in the temple. (Your child will be given a sarong to wear if his or her knees are showing.)
-
Both boys and girls must wear either the uniform shirt or a short- or long-sleeve St. Francis Spirit wear shirt with khaki pants, blue jeans, or long athletic pants.
-
Students will be required to remove shoes during their visit.
-
Thursday, March 30
- Regular Uniform
- Middle School Chapel: 9:50 a.m. in the St. Francis Episcopal Church Sanctuary
Friday, March 31
- Spirit Dress: Students may wear SFES Spirit shirts with jeans or uniform bottoms
- Seventh-Grade Bible Study: 12:15 p.m. in Mrs. Flores’s room (boys’ Bible study) and Mrs. Gutierrez’s room (girls’ Bible study); both rooms are right off of Crum Library
Upper School
From the Division Head
I remember sitting down with a young man and his family years ago, discussing how he could perform better academically. As usual, the adults did a majority of the talking, and there were a lot of adults in the room: mom and dad, the advisor, the learning specialist, and myself. I often wonder about the efficacy of those meetings, when a young person—who may very well feel shame and diffidence about their performance—finds themselves surrounded by their betters.
Anyhow, we came to a point in the conversation when we were talking about missing homework, the importance of meeting with teachers, and how a student plans out their day. The student crossed his arms and said, “Why do I have to do any of that? All teachers are required to post homework, quizzes, and tests.”
He wasn’t wrong. Teachers are supposed to do that, but it was such a passive response. It also established a theme of reliance on others. At that point, I asked the adults if they had planners. Mom pulled out an Erin Condren calendar; dad pulled out an old Day Runner in a leather binder that had seen a lot of life; and one teacher opened Outlook on a computer, where you could see scheduled “planning time” and “grading.” I pulled out my AT-A-GLANCE. We were all functioning adults who knew we had to use some sort of medium to plan out days, whether that was a physical planner or an electronic calendar.
This made a strong impression on the young man. Each of the adults around him was a professional. His parents were very successful at their jobs. To drive home another point, his mom mentioned that she ran the family calendar in addition to running her law practice!
We have to have some sort of organizational system in place to manage our lives. While we are thankful for Veracross, our Learning Management System, it’s vital to understand that it is only one part of the puzzle. There are so many other parts of our lives: birthdays, soccer tournaments, vacations, jobs, etc. Part of a private school education is saying “yes” to the many things that are available to us, but—most importantly—learning how to juggle all of them.
Warmly,
Marc Addington, MA
Head of Upper School
Mark Your Calendar
Monday, March 27
- “B” Day
- Regular Uniform
Tuesday, March 28
- “A” Day
- Regular Uniform
Wednesday, March 29
- “B” Day
- Regular Uniform
- Upper School Chapel: 10:00–10:30 a.m. in Crum Gym
Thursday, March 30
- “A” Day
- Regular Uniform
Friday, March 31
- “B” Day
- St. Francis Spirit Dress: Wear a St. Francis Spirit shirt with full-length jeans or uniform bottoms
- Upper School Chapel: 10:00–10:30 a.m. in Crum Gym
Monday, April 3
- “A” Day
- Regular Uniform
Tuesday, April 4
- “B” Day
- Regular Uniform
Wednesday, April 5
- “A” Day
- Dress Uniform
- Upper School Maundy Thursday Eucharist: 10:00–10:30 a.m. on Piney Point Campus
Thursday, April 6
- “B” Day
- Regular Uniform
- Early Dismissal at Noon
Friday, April 7
- Good Friday Holiday: School closed
Church
Holy Week Schedule: April 2–9
APRIL 2: PALM SUNDAY
- Services at 8:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., and 5:00 p.m.
- Pageant during 9:00 a.m. service
APRIL 6: MAUNDY THURSDAY
- Service at 7:00 p.m.
APRIL 7: GOOD FRIDAY
- Good Friday Liturgy at noon in the church
- Walk to Calvary at noon; meet in the Fine Arts Center
- Seven Last Words at 1:00 p.m. in the church
- Stations of the Cross at 2:00 p.m. in the church
APRIL 8: HOLY SATURDAY
- Confession at 11:00 a.m.
- Baptism at 4:00 p.m. (Contact Sally Jo Flores at 832.325.2983 to schedule a baptism.)
APRIL 9: EASTER SUNDAY
- Services at 7:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m., and 11:00 a.m.
- Easter Egg Hunt at 10:00 a.m. on the field behind the Fine Arts Center
Join Us at 9:00 a.m. Each Sunday for the Following:
- Sunday Worship
- Let It Shine Children's Bible Lesson
- Lighthouse Expressions in Art: Meet in the school's People Place (across from the Dining Hall) to create an art project based on that day's Let It Shine.
- GLOW for Middle School Students (Volunteer Opportunities): Contact Allison Devlin to sign up and receive service hours.
Forgiveness Workshop Is Saturday
Father Bates will lead a forgiveness workshop this Saturday, April 1, from 9:00 a.m. to noon in the Hogan Board Room. RSVP to Sally Jo Flores via e-mail or call the church office at 713.782.1270 to sign up.
Palm Sunday Passion Play Is Sunday
Join us this coming Sunday, April 2, at 9:00 a.m. for the Palm Sunday Passion Play.
- Children can participate as we re-enact the events of Holy Week, waving palm branches as Jesus enters Jerusalem on a donkey and reciting the Passion Gospel.
- Donkey Photos: A donkey will be available for family photos in the courtyard after the service.
Walk to Calvary Is April 7
Children, meet in the Fine Art Center on Friday, April 7, at noon to follow Father Wismer and Mrs. Devlin on an interactive journey of the Stations of the Cross on Good Friday. Please note: Children ages 6 and up can be dropped off while parents attend the Good Friday service in the church.
Kids' Easter Egg Hunt Is April 9
Kids, join us for He Is Risen! at Let It Shine on Sunday, April 9, at 9:00 a.m. We will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, enjoy an Easter egg hunt, and pet and feed bunnies.
Eighth Graders, Join Us for Confirmation Class
Eighth graders, if you missed the Confirmation Class Ice Cream Social and Orientation, you can still join the 2023–24 Confirmation Class. If you are in eighth grade and have not been confirmed, please contact Cindy Huteson via email or call the church office at 713.782.1270.
Join Us Wednesdays for Mom’s Bible Study
- WHAT: Parenting: 14 Gospel Principles That Can Radically Change Your Family by Paul David Tripp
- WHEN: Wednesdays at 8:15 a.m.
- WHERE: Richmond House on the Couper Campus
- FOR MORE INFORMATION: To sign up or for more information, contact Allison Devlin via email or at 713.882.0725.
Outreach Ministries
- Memorial Assistance Ministries has an urgent plea from the pantry team. For additional information, contact the church's Director of Outreach Heather Burkhart.
- The Fair Haven Food Pantry needs volunteers and food donations. For additional information, email Heather Burkhart. To volunteer, click here.
Dress for Success Houston Needs Our Help!
For 25 years, Dress for Success Houston (DFSH) has been dedicated to the mission of empowering women to achieve economic independence by providing professional attire, a network of support, and development tools to help women thrive in work and life. Each year, DFSH holds the Her Path Forward giving campaign, which helps provide women with access to programs, services, and tools that will help them achieve economic advancement.
How can St. Francis Outreach support DFSH’s Her Path Forward Campaign? It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3!
- Click here to make a financial donation to the Her Path Forward Campaign.
- Purchase high-need attire from DFSH’s Amazon Wishlist.
- Donate handbags and closed-toe shoes at DFSH (3310 Eastside). Donations are accepted on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
With questions, please email Karen Bloomfield.
Share Your Prayer Requests Online
Share your prayer requests with us using the “Prayer Requests” link on the St. Francis Episcopal Church home page.
Bible Studies at St. Francis
WOMEN'S BIBLE STUDIES
- Wednesdays at 9:00–10:00 a.m.
- Study: Book of James
- Contact: Louise Richman
MEN'S BIBLE STUDIES
- Tuesdays at 7:00–8:00 a.m.
- Contact: Martin O'Malley
- Location: La Madeleine (1st, 3rd, and 4th Tuesdays of each month)
- Second Tuesday of Each Month at 8:00–9:30 a.m. (Next meeting is April 11.)
- Meeting: The Men of St. Francis Breakfast and Bible Study
- Study: The Life of Abraham
- Location: The Corner Bakery (9311 Katy Fwy.), breakfast included
- Contact: Sally Jo Flores
- Thursdays at 6:30–8:00 a.m.
- Study: Romans
- Contact: The Rev. Stuart Bates
- Zoom Meeting Link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84206856514- Meeting ID: 842 0685 6514
- Passcode: Bi6Ga0
ADULT BIBLE STUDY
- Sundays at 10:00–11:00 a.m.
- Study: Paul's Letter to the Romans
- Location: Hogan Board Room
- Contact: George Hippard
How to Watch Sunday Service Via Livestream
To join St. Francis Episcopal Church’s 9:00 a.m. or 11:00 a.m. Sunday service via livestream, open an Internet browser on your computer, laptop, or phone. Type in the St. Francis website—sfch.org. Click on the “Watch Live Stream Worship Services” button. Either the 9:00 a.m. or 11:00 a.m. service will be available.
Wolf Watch Archives
To view a previous edition of Wolf Watch, click on the corresponding link below:
2022-23
March 19, 2023
March 5, 2023
February 26, 2023
February 19, 2023
February 12, 2023
February 5, 2023
January 29, 2023
January 22, 2023
January 15, 2023
January 8, 2023
January 1, 2023
December 11, 2022
December 4, 2022
November 27, 2022
November 13, 2022
November 6, 2022
October 30, 2022
October 23, 2022
October 16, 2022
October 9, 2022
October 2, 2022
September 25, 2022
September 18, 2022
September 11, 2022
September 4, 2022
August 28, 2022
August 21, 2022
August 14, 2022
2021-22
May 22, 2022
May 15, 2022
May 8, 2022
May 1, 2022
April 24, 2022
April 17, 2022
April 10, 2022
April 3, 2022
March 27, 2022
March 20, 2022
March 6, 2022
February 27, 2022
February 20, 2022
February 13, 2022
February 6, 2022
January 30, 2022
January 23, 2022
January 16, 2022
January 9, 2022
January 2, 2022
December 12, 2021
December 5, 2021
November 28, 2021
November 14, 2021
November 7, 2021
October 31, 2021
October 24, 2021
October 17, 2021
October 10, 2021
October 3, 2021
September 26, 2021
September 19, 2021
September 12, 2021
September 5, 2021
August 29, 2021
August 22, 2021
August 15, 2021
2020-21
May 23, 2021
May 16, 2021
May 9, 2021
May 2, 2021
April 25, 2021
April 18, 2021
April 11, 2021
April 4, 2021
March 28, 2021
March 21, 2021
March 7, 2021
February 28, 2021
February 21, 2021
February 14, 2021
February 7, 2021
January 31, 2021
January 24, 2021
January 17, 2021
January 10, 2021
January 3, 2021
December 13, 2020
December 6, 2020
November 29, 2020
November 15, 2020
November 8, 2020
November 1, 2020
October 25, 2020
October 18, 2020
October 11, 2020
October 4, 2020
September 27, 2020
September 20, 2020
September 13, 2020
September 6, 2020
August 30, 2020
August 23, 2020
August 16, 2020
2019-20
May 17, 2020
May 10, 2020
May 3, 2020
April 26, 2020
April 19, 2020
April 12, 2020
April 5, 2020
March 29, 2020
March 22, 2020
March 8, 2020
March 1, 2020
February 23, 2020
February 16, 2020
February 9, 2020
February 2, 2020
January 26, 2020
January 19, 2020
January 12, 2020
January 5, 2020
December 15, 2019
December 8, 2019
December 1, 2019
November 17, 2019
November 10, 2019
November 3, 2019
October 27, 2019
October 20, 2019
October 13, 2019
October 6, 2019
September 29, 2019
September 22, 2019
September 15, 2019
September 8, 2019
September 1, 2019
August 25, 2019
August 18, 2019